Hilton Tahiti Hotel Review

Stepping off the plane at Tahiti's Faa'a International Airport, the warm tropical air enveloped me with a sweet fragrance that instantly transported me back to the tropics. The smell of wet concrete mixed with Frangipani flowers, and warm tar I’ve grown to love. It reminded me of the awe-struck feeling I felt the first time I stepped foot in French Polynesia.

As I stepped off the plane and looked around, the vibrant colors and natural beauty of the island captivated me once again. The lagoon sparkled in the sun, the lush green hillsides were dotted with palm trees, filling me with a sense of joy and contentment.

But this time, I was in for a new experience, one that would make me fall for Tahiti all over again. As I made my way to the recently opened Hilton Hotel Tahiti, I felt a growing sense of excitement and anticipation. The thought of exploring a new hotel here was just what I needed to light me up, after the last few years of limited travel.

While many visitors treat Tahiti as nothing more than a stopover on their way to Bora Bora, I believe that this breathtaking island deserves to be explored and appreciated for its own unique beauty. Tahiti is a destination worth savoring, and the Hilton Hotel Tahiti provides the perfect respite for an adventure-filled trip. With its luxurious amenities, stunning ocean views, and warm Polynesian hospitality, the hotel is the ideal place to unwind and soak up the island's enchanting atmosphere.

Hilton Tahiti Hotel Design & Atmosphere

Hilton Tahiti Lobby — *Hilton Tahiti lobby and check in area*

As we stepped into the lobby, I was immediately struck by the warmth and friendliness of the staff, who greeted us with a cheerful "Ia ora na". The lobby was spacious, with modern Polynesian decor that reflected the exotic surroundings. The comfortable seating area, with its plush sofas and armchairs, made for a welcoming place to rest after a long flight. I sank into one of the armchairs and gazed out at the stunning ocean views beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, feeling the stress and tension of travel melting away.

Heiva lobby bar in Hilton Hotel Tahiti — *Hilton Hotel Heiva lounge bar, next to lobby*

Hotel Rooms

After a quick check-in, I headed to my room. The rooms at the Hilton benefit from being brand new, and everything looks sleek and fresh. The wooden finishes and warm lighting make it cozy, but the design aesthetic is a bit stark and lacks the warmth and character of the hotel's other locations in French Polynesia. That said, the comfortable king-size beds make for a great night's sleep, and the modern amenities provide everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Hilton Hotel Tahiti King bed ocean view room — *King bed premier ocean view room at Hilton Hotel Tahiti*

Amenities

The rest of Hilton Tahiti Hotel more than made up for the lack of design in the room.

The hotel's pool is the star of the show. The first time I saw it was early in the morning, as the sun was coming up. The way the light hit the pool area made it glimmer and shine, it looked beautiful against the backdrop of the ocean and the mountains.

Hilton Tahiti Pool Area — *Pool area, with views of Moorea*

And if you're a fitness buff, the gym is modern, clean, and well-equipped. There are various machines, weights, and activities available, and the hotel's location makes it easy to take part in outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and paddleboarding.

Hilton Tahiti gym and spa — *Fitness Center at Tahiti Hilton Hotel*

Restaurants

The Hilton hotel in Tahiti boasts an array of 5 bars and restaurants to cater to every guest's taste. For an unparalleled breakfast experience, Moevai is the perfect spot to indulge in a delicious spread. The waves of the lagoon crash beneath you as you look out to the Island of Moorea in the distance. The setting is perfect, with the gentle lapping of waves and freshly baked croissant in hand making for a memorable morning.

Moevai restaurant at Hilton Tahiti Hotel — *Moevai Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, one of 5 restaurants*

However, it was San Sushi that genuinely blew me away. The personal attention from the chef and the off-menu dishes made our dining experience feel truly special. And the tuna sashimi, undoubtedly the star of the show, was the epitome of perfection. The delectable food, combined with the exceptional ambiance of the restaurant, left a lasting impression on me.

Taitea Brasserie Restaurant at Hilton Tahiti Hotel — *Hilton Tahiti Taitea Brasserie is a seafood and steakhouse located near the pool, overlooking the lagoon*

Final Thoughts

If you're planning a trip to French Polynesia, I highly recommend staying at the Hilton Hotel Tahiti.

While it may not be as grand as the Hilton's Bora Bora property, it has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. And it's the perfect base for exploring the beautiful islands of French Polynesia. So, take the time to appreciate Tahiti's natural beauty, and don't just use it as a stopover on the way to Bora Bora. You won't regret it.


For more on French Polynesia

Plan your accommodation with our Conrad Bora Bora review and Four Seasons Bora Bora review
Get all our insiders tips in our Bora Bora Travel Guide
See what activities are worth making time for with our list of top 10 activities in Bora Bora
Or get inspired to see more tropical island destinations with our list of luxury islands like Bora Bora that are worth visiting in 2023

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